Cwmsymlog

"The richest in lead & silver of any in his majesty's dominions"

(Lewis Morris - 1744)

The remote hamlet and mines of Cwmsymlog boast one of the only accesible mine chimneys in the county. This historic site was once extremely rich in producing silver, which was then minted into coins at Aberystwyth castle.

Known variously as the East Darren or Blaen Cwmsymlog mines you can still see ancient open cuts and the remains of the later 19th Century workings.

Following an intense forestation programme in the 1960's and a huge land reclamation iniative during the 1980's, much of the historic landscape of this important valley has been lost.

This area was heavily worked over the years from Banc y Darren to Blaen Cymsymlog, as can be seen by the large spoil tips and disrupted landscape of the area you pass through on your way into Cwmsymlog.
The earliest works on Banc Y Darren probably date back to the Iron Age, as the earthwork for the Hill fort intersects the mineral vein, although the extent of later workings has removed most of the evidence for early mining.

With a little imagination though, we can still imagine how it must have looked to Sir Hugh Myddelton, Sir Humphrey Mackworth, Thomas Bushell and the Company of Mine Adventurers as they made their fortunes in the 1600's.

Restoration work has been completed to preserve the unique C19th Engine House chimney following funding from CADW and Spirit of the Miners.
The area has also been developed with interpretation to provide more information on the various aspects of the valley including the unique botany, geology and history of the area.

The Borth to Devils Bridgelong distance footpath passes through the valley, and it is also possible to reach here by mountain bike from the Nant Yr Arian Visitor Centre.

Much of this site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is a scheduled Ancient Monument, it is also home to the residents of Cwmsymlog.

Please respect the special nature of the valley and privacy of the residents whilst exploring this piece of forgotten history.